Electro-optical connector systems incorporating gradient-index lenses

ABSTRACT

Electro-optical connectors and connector systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, an electro-optical plug includes a tip connector, a ring connector, and a sleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, the ring connector, and the sleeve connector are electrically conductive. The electro-optical plug further includes a gradient-index lens co-axially disposed within at least the tip connector, wherein the tip connector has a tip window that optically exposes a coupling surface of the gradient-index lens, and an optical fiber that is co-axially disposed within at least the sleeve connector. In another embodiment, an electro-optical connector includes a plug body having a planar electrical coupling surface with an array of electrically conductive contacts, and an optical coupling surface having at least one optical window. The electro-optical connector further includes a gradient-index lens disposed within the plug body. A coupling surface of the gradient-index lens is optically exposed at the at least one optical window.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure generally relates to hybrid electrical-optical(“electro-optical”) connectors and, more particularly, electro-opticalconnectors and connector systems utilizing gradient-index lenses.

Benefits of optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noiseoperation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasinglybeing used for a variety of applications, including, but not limited to,broadband voice, video, and data transmission. Additionally, opticalcable assemblies may be utilized in consumer electronics applications totransfer data between electronic devices.

Optical connectors are employed in both optical cable assemblies andelectronic devices to provide an optical-to-optical connection whereinoptical signals are passed between an optical cable assembly and anelectronic device. Legacy and future electrical connector standards maybenefit from the addition of optical fibers to provide additionalfunctionality beyond the electrical power and data carried by electricalconductors. For example, additional bandwidth may be provided by addingoptical fibers to electrical cables. Further, the length of cableassemblies may be increased by the use of optical fibers, particularlyin high-speed data applications where noise and electrical losses areimportant considerations.

SUMMARY

Embodiments are directed to electro-optical connector systems includingan electro-optical connector for providing functionality over bothelectrical conductors and optical fiber. More specifically, theelectro-optical connectors described herein are capable ofbi-directionally communicating optical signals over a single opticalfiber. The electro-optical connectors described herein usegradient-index lenses as a rugged interface between the optical fiber ofthe electro-optical connector and an active component of anelectro-optical receptacle. Embodiments described herein also describedebris-relief zones and features that prevent optical loss due to debrisbuild-up.

In one embodiment, an electro-optical plug includes a tip connector, aring connector, and a sleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, thering connector, and the sleeve connector are electrically conductive.The electro-optical plug further includes a gradient-index lensco-axially disposed within at least the tip connector, wherein the tipconnector has a tip window that optically exposes a coupling surface ofthe gradient-index lens, and an optical fiber that is co-axiallydisposed within at least the sleeve connector. The optical fiber isoptically coupled to the gradient-index lens.

In another embodiment, an electro-optical connector system includes anelectro-optical plug and an electro-optical receptacle. Theelectro-optical plug includes a tip connector, a ring connector, and asleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, the ring connector, and thesleeve connector are electrically conductive. The electro-optical plugfurther includes a gradient-index lens co-axially disposed within atleast the tip connector, wherein the tip connector has a tip window thatoptically exposes a coupling surface of the gradient-index lens, and anoptical fiber that is co-axially disposed within at least the sleeveconnector. The optical fiber is optically coupled to the gradient-indexlens. The electro-optical receptacle includes a receptacle body. Thereceptacle body includes an insertion end having an opening configuredto receive the electro-optical plug, an optical coupling end that isopposite from the insertion end, and a plug bore within the receptaclebody. The plug bore extends from the opening toward an end wall at theoptical coupling end, and is configured to accept the electro-opticalplug. The receptacle body further includes a lens feature at the endwall of the plug bore, wherein the coupling lens feature defines adebris-relief zone at the end of the plug bore. The electro-opticalreceptacle further includes an active component assembly disposed at theoptical coupling end of the receptacle body. The active componentassembly includes a substrate and at least one active component coupledto the substrate, wherein the at least one active component is opticallycoupled to the lens feature of the electro-optical receptacle.

In yet another embodiment, an electro-optical connector includes a plugbody having a planar electrical coupling surface with an array ofelectrically conductive contacts, and an optical coupling surface havingat least one optical window, wherein the optical coupling surface istransverse to the planar electrical coupling surface. Theelectro-optical connector further includes at least one gradient-indexlens disposed within the plug body, wherein a coupling surface of thegradient-index lens is optically exposed at the at least one opticalwindow. The electro-optical connector further includes at least oneoptical fiber optically coupled to the at least one gradient-index lens.

Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detaileddescription which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to thoseskilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing theembodiments as described herein, including the detailed descriptionwhich follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are merely exemplary, and areintended to provide an overview or framework to understanding the natureand character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included toprovide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitutea part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments, andtogether with the description serve to explain principles and operationof the various embodiments.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a furtherunderstanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of thisspecification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiment(s), andtogether with the description serve to explain principles and operationof the various embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example electro-optical connectorsystem including an electro-optical plug and an electro-opticalreceptacle;

FIG. 2 is a perspective cutaway view of the electro-optical plugdepicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more embodiments described andillustrated herein;

FIG. 3A is an exploded cutaway view of the electro-optical plug depictedin FIG. 2;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of a gradient-index lens within theelectro-optical plug depicted in FIGS. 2 and 3A;

FIG. 4 is a top, front perspective view of the electro-opticalreceptacle depicted in FIG. 1 according to one or more embodimentsdescribed and illustrated herein;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the electro-optical receptacledepicted in FIGS. 1 and 4;

FIG. 6 is a perspective, partial cutaway view of the electro-opticalreceptacle depicted in FIGS. 1, 4 and 5;

FIG. 7 is a partial cutaway view of the electro-optical connector systemdepicted in FIG. 1 wherein the electro-optical plug is inserted into theelectro-optical receptacle;

FIG. 8 is a close-up, partial cutaway view of the electro-opticalconnector system depicted in FIG. 1 wherein the electro-optical plug isinserted into the electro-optical receptacle;

FIG. 9 is a close-up, partial cutaway view of the electro-optical plugand the electro-optical receptacle depicted in FIG. 1 wherein theelectro-optical plug is inserted into the electro-optical receptacle;

FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an electro-optical connectoraccording to one or more embodiments described and illustrated herein;and

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the electro-optical connectordepicted in FIG. 10 taken along line A-A according to one or moreembodiments described and illustrated herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments are directed to electro-optical connector systems utilizingboth electrical conductors and optical fibers to communicate databetween electronic devices. Embodiments may utilize wavelength-divisionmultiplexing (e.g., coarse wavelength-division multiplexing (“CWDM”) ordense wavelength-division multiplexing (“DWDM”) to bi-directionallycommunicate optical signals over a single fiber. The addition of opticalfiber allows cables and connectors to increase bandwidth overtraditional cables that communicate over electrical conductors only.

The electro-optical connectors systems described herein incorporate oneor more gradient-index (“GRIN”) lenses to provide optical couplingbetween an optical fiber of an electro-optical plug with a transceiverdevice (i.e., an active component) that transmits and/or receivesoptical signals. The GRIN lens provides a robust optical interface withmating features of the corresponding receptacle. Various embodiments ofelectro-optical connectors and connector systems are described in detailbelow.

Referring now to FIG. 1, an electro-optical connector system 100according to one embodiment is illustrated. The example electro-opticalconnector system 100 comprises an electro-optical plug 101 and acorresponding electro-optical receptacle 150. The electro-optical plug101 is configured to be inserted into the electro-optical receptacle150.

The example electro-optical plug 101 is configured as a phone jack(i.e., an audio jack). The phone jack is a ubiquitous electricalconnector form-factor used to electrically couple two electronicdevices. For example, a phone jack may be used to provide stereo audiosignals from a portable electronic device, such as a media player or acell phone, to headphones. As examples and not limitations, a phone jackmay be used to provide stereo sound signals, electrical power, and data.

Generally, the electro-optical plug 101 is configured as atip-ring-sleeve (“TRS”) phone jack comprising a tip connector 112, aring connector 114, and a sleeve connector 116. The tip connector 112,ring connector 114, and sleeve connector 116 are electrically conductiveand extend from a plug body 130. The tip connector 112 is electricallyisolated from the ring connector 114 by a first insulator 113, and thering connector 114 is electrically isolated from the sleeve connector116 by a second insulator 115. Each of the tip connector 112, ringconnector 114, and sleeve connector 116 are electrically coupled to anindividual conductive wire (not shown) disposed with a cable 132 havingan outer jacket that extends from the plug body 130.

Embodiments are not limited to TRS phone jacks, as other configurationsmay also be utilized, such as a tip-ring-ring-sleeve (“TRRS”) connectorwherein an additional ring connector is provided. Additionally, theelectro-optical plug 101 may be configured as a 3.5 mm phone jack, a 2.5mm phone jack, or other phone jack style and size.

The tip connector 112 includes a tip window 118 at its front surface.The tip window optically exposes a gradient-index (“GRIN”) lens 122 thatis co-axially disposed within at least the tip connector 112 (see FIG.2). An optical fiber 121 is co-axially disposed within the tip connector112, the ring connector 114, and the sleeve connector 116, and isoptically coupled to the GRIN lens 122. Optical signals may pass to andfrom the GRIN lens 122 through the tip window 118. Components of theelectro-optical plug 101 are described in more detail below withreference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The optical channel formed by the GRIN lens 122 and optical fiber 121may provide for high-speed, bi-directional optical communication. Theoptical signals may allow two electronic devices to communicate largeamounts of data between each other at a high data rate. Such data mayinclude, but is not limited to, electronic files, control data (e.g.,noise-canceling data for headphones), and audio/video data.

The electro-optical plug 101 is insertable into the electro-opticalreceptacle 150 (see FIG. 4). The electro-optical receptacle 150comprises a receptacle body 151 having an insertion end 153 and anoptical coupling end 155 that is opposite from the insertion end 153. Insome embodiments, the receptacle body 151 is fabricated from a materialthat is transmissive to the wavelength(s) of optical signals passedbetween the electro-optical receptacle 150 and the electro-optical plug101. As non-limiting examples, the receptacle body 151 may be fabricatedfrom ULTEM™ sold by SABIC Innovative Plastics Holding BV of Riyadh,Saudi Arabia, or Zeonex® cyclic olefin polymer sold by Zeon Chemicals LPof Louisville, Ky., USA.

Generally, the receptacle body 151 includes notches 156A and 156B inwhich electrical contact clips 160, 162 are disposed, respectively.Electrical contact clip 160 is positioned within the receptacle body 151to contact, and therefore be electrically coupled to, the sleeveconnector 116 when the electro-optical plug 101 is inserted into theelectro-optical receptacle 150. Electrical contact clip 162 ispositioned within the receptacle body 151 to contact, and therefore beelectrically coupled to, the ring connector 114 when the electro-opticalplug 101 is inserted into the electro-optical receptacle 150.

An active component assembly 170 is disposed within a notch 157 at theoptical coupling end 155 of the receptacle body 151. Additionallyelectrical contact clips 166A, 166B are positioned within the opticalcoupling end 155 of the receptacle body 151. Electrical contact clips166A, 166B are disposed within the receptacle body 151 to contact, andtherefore be electrically coupled to, the tip connector 112 of theelectro-optical plug 101 when it is inserted into the electro-opticalreceptacle 150. As described in more detail below, the active componentassembly 170 transmits and receives optical signals by convertingelectrical signals to optical signals and vice versa (i.e., atransmitter and a receiver).

The electro-optical plug 101 will now be described in greater detailwith reference to FIGS. 2 and 3A. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view ofthe tip connector 112, the ring connector 114, and the sleeve connector116 of the electro-optical plug 101, while FIG. 3 is cross-sectionalview of the tip connector 112, the ring connector 114, and the sleeveconnector 116 and additional components of the electro-optical plug 101.

In the illustrated embodiment, the tip connector 112, the firstinsulator 113, the ring connector 114, the second insulator 115, and thesleeve connector 116 are maintained by a co-axially positioned supportmember 124. The support member 124 is hollow such that an optical fiber121 may be positioned therein. The aforementioned components may bepositioned on the support member 124 in a nested manner. The ringconnector 114 comprises a stem portion 117 and a contact portion 119,wherein the contact portion 119 has a larger diameter than the stemportion 117. The first and second insulators 113, 115, each comprises aflange portion 128, 131, respectively, and a stem portion 123, 129,respectively. Each of the tip connector 112, the first insulator 113,the ring connector 114, the second insulator 115, and the sleeveconnector 116 defines an internal bore 120 into which the support member124 is positioned when the components are assembled.

In the example embodiment, the first insulator 113 is positioned on thesupport member 124 such that the stem portion 123 of the first insulator113 is adjacent to the support member 124. The ring connector 114 ispositioned on the stem portion 123 of the first insulator 113, while thesleeve connector 116 is positioned on the stem portion 129 of the secondinsulator 115. The tip connector 112 is positioned on an end of thesupport member 124. The assembly may be maintained by an optional crimpmember 126, and may be at least partially disposed within the plug body130. Additionally, the components of the electro-optical plug 101 may bemaintained together by an interference fit and/or by an adhesive. Insome embodiments, the support member 124 and associated components maybe held together by a threaded engagement.

In the illustrated embodiment, the ring connector 114 and the sleeveconnector 116 may be electrically coupled to conductive wires that aredisposed within the cable 132. As an example and not a limitation, a tabmay be provided on the ring connector 114 and the sleeve connector 116to connect the ring connector 114 and the sleeve connector 116 to theconductive wires. In some embodiments, the ring connector 114 and thesleeve connector 116 may provide electrical power to an electronicdevice to which it is coupled. The ring connector 114 and the sleeveconnector 116 may also provide audio signals or data.

In some embodiments, the support member 124 is also electricallyconductive such that it provides an electrically conductive pathwaybetween the tip connector 112 and a conductive wire in the cable 132.The tip connector 112 may then provide a power connection, audio signal,or other data.

The optical fiber is disposed within the support member 124, which isdisposed within the internal bore 120 defined by the tip connector 112,the first insulator 113, the ring connector 114, the second insulator115, and the sleeve connector 116. The illustrated tip connector 112includes a fiber bore 135 that tapers from the internal bore 120, and alens bore 125. As shown in FIG. 2, the support member 124 is disposedwithin the internal bore 120, while the optical fiber 121 extends intothe smaller-diameter fiber bore 135 where it terminates at thetransition into the lens bore 125. The GRIN lens 122 is disposed withinthe lens bore 125 such that a coupling surface 127 of the GRIN lens 122is positioned proximate to the tip window 118, and the opposite surface134 of the GRIN lens 122 contacts, or nearly contacts, the end of theoptical fiber 121. In some embodiments, the optical fiber 121 may bemaintained within the fiber bore 135 by an index-matching adhesive.

The tip window 118 may be configured as a small opening within a face ofthe tip connector 112 such that it optically exposes the couplingsurface 127 of the GRIN lens 122. FIG. 3B provides a close-upperspective view of an example GRIN lens 122. In some embodiments, thetip window 118 physically exposes the coupling surface of the GRIN lens122. In other embodiments, a transmissive window material may beprovided at the face of the tip connector such that the coupling surfaceof the GRIN lens 122 is maintained behind the transmissive windowmaterial. The surfaces of the GRIN lens 122 may be laser polished.

It should be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure arenot limited to the arrangement of the components in FIGS. 2 and 3A, andthat other arrangements are also possible.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, the example electro-optical receptacle 150depicted in FIG. 1 will now be described in detail. FIG. 4 is atop-down, perspective view of the electro-optical receptacle 150, whileFIG. 5 provides an exploded, perspective view. FIG. 6 is a cutaway viewof the electro-optical receptacle 150. It should be understood thatembodiments are not limited to the configuration of the electro-opticalreceptacle 150 depicted in FIGS. 4-6.

The receptacle body 151 has an opening for a plug bore 154 at theinsertion end 153. The plug bore 154 is sized to accept the tipconnector 112, the ring connector 114, and the sleeve connector 116. Thereceptacle body 151 further includes notches 156A, 156B into whichelectrical contact clips 160, 162 are disposed, respectively. Theelectrical contact clips 160, 162 may be maintained within the notches156A, 156B by a snap fit, by an adhesive, and/or other securing means.The electrical contact clips 160, 162 and notches 156A, 156B are shownfor illustrative purposes only, and it should be understood that otherconfigurations are also possible.

Electrical contact clips 166A, 166B may be inserted into the opticalcoupling end 155 of the receptacle body 151 at openings 159A, 159B. Asan example and not a limitation, the electrical contact clips 166A, 166Bmay have a tab portion 167 may engage the receptacle body 151 at the “L”shaped openings 159A, 159B to secure the electrical contact clips 166A,166B to the receptacle body 151. The electrical contact clips 166A, 166Bmay be secured to the receptacle body 151 by any appropriate means.

The electrical contact clips 166A, 166B may further include anengagement portion 165 that acts as a detent for the tip connector 112.The engagement portion 165 of the electrical contact clips 166A, 166Bmay be exposed to the plug bore 154 by openings 158A, 158B, for example.The electrical contact clips 166A, 166B may act as a spring such thatthe engagement portion 165 moves back and forth upon insertion andremoval of the electro-optical plug 101.

Referring specifically to FIG. 6, the plug bore 154 terminates at an endwall 180 at the optical coupling end 155 of the receptacle body 151. Alens feature 182 protrudes from the end wall 180. In the illustratedembodiment, the lens feature 182 is circular in shape, althoughembodiments are not limited thereto. The lens feature 182 has a matingsurface 183 that is offset from the end wall 180. The lens feature 182further includes a convex lens surface 186 that is opposite from themating surface 183. The receptacle body 151, or at least the lensfeature 182, is fabricated from a material that is transmissive to thewavelength(s) of the optical signals, as stated above.

As described in more detail below, the lens feature 182 defines adebris-relief zone that is located between the interior walls of theplug bore 154, the lens feature 182, and the end wall 180. Debris buildup at the mating surface 183 would cause optical loss of the opticalsignals propagating through the lens feature 182. The debris-relief zone184 provides an area for debris to be displaced. In some embodiments,the walls of the plug bore 154 may include channels or splines to allowfor exhausting of fluids and debris out of the insertion end 153 of thereceptacle body 151.

Referring to both FIGS. 6 and 9, the active component assembly 170 iscoupled to the optical coupling end 155 of the receptacle body 151 via anotched area 157. FIG. 9 depicts a cutaway view of the electro-opticalplug 101 inserted into the electro-optical receptacle 150, which isshown in a partial cutaway view. The active component assembly 170comprises a substrate 172, an active component 173, a flexiblecircuit/connector 174, and an electrical connector 175. The substratemay be configured as a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board,for example. In some embodiments, the active component 173 is configuredas one or more optical devices that are configured to transmit and/orreceive optical signals. In CWDM or DWDM applications, the activecomponent 173 is capable of transmitting and receiving optical signalsin accordance with the particular wavelength division multiplexingprotocol so that bi-directional optical communication may be achievedusing a single optical fiber.

The notch 157 at the optical coupling end 155 has a substrate mountingsurface 190 and an optical coupling surface 192. The substrate 172 iscoupled to the substrate mounting surface 190 such that a gap is presentbetween the optical coupling surface 192 and the substrate 172. Thesubstrate 172 may be coupled to the substrate mounting surface 190 byany means. The substrate 172 and the active component 173 are positionedsuch that the active component 173 is aligned with the convex lenssurface 186 of the lens feature 182 along the x- and y-axes.

FIG. 7 depicts the electro-optical plug 101 inserted into theelectro-optical receptacle 150 in a cutaway view of the electro-opticalreceptacle 150. FIG. 8 is a close-up view of the tip connector and lensfeature 182 depicted in FIG. 7.

Referring generally to FIGS. 6-9, the shape of the plug bore 154 and thetip connector 112, ring connector 114, and the sleeve connector 116 andthe fit therebetween align the tip window 118, and therefore the GRINlens 122, with the convex lens surface 186 along the x- and y-axis. Thedistance between the GRIN lens 122 and the active component 173 isdetermined by the thickness of the lens feature 182 and the gap betweenthe convex lens surface 186/optical coupling surface 192 and thesubstrate 172. The convex lens surface 186 conditions optical signalsexiting the GRIN lens 122 to be received by the active component 173,and also conditions optical signals exiting the active component 173 tobe received by the GRIN lens 122.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the tapered shape of the tip connector 112and the debris-relief zone 184 allow for debris to be contained at alocation that is positioned away from the offset mating surface 183 ofthe lens feature 182. In some embodiments, the coupling surface 127 ofthe GRIN lens 122 contacts the mating surface 183 of the lens feature182.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, another embodiment of anelectro-optical connector 200 incorporating a GRIN lens 222 is depicted.FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of an example electro-opticalconnector 200, while FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of theelectro-optical connector 200 depicted in FIG. 10 taken along line A-A.

The illustrated electro-optical connector 200 generally comprises a plugbody 210 extending from a connector body 230, and a hybrid cable 232extending from a rear portion of the connector body 230. The hybridcable 232 comprises one or more optical fibers (not shown) and aplurality of conductive wire (not shown) disposed within a cable jacket.The electro-optical connector 200 may bi-directionally pass opticalsignals over a single optical fiber.

The plug body 210 is configured to be inserted into a correspondingelectro-optical receptacle (not shown). The example plug body 210comprises a planar electrical coupling surface 212. An array ofelectrically conductive contacts 215 is located at the planar electricalcoupling surface 212. The array of electrically conductive contacts 215are electrically coupled to a corresponding array of electricallyconductive contacts 215 within the mated electro-optical receptacle. Insome embodiments, the plug body 210 is fabricated from an electricallyconductive material such that it may serve as a ground connection whenmating with the mated electro-optical receptacle. In such embodiments,the individual electrically conductive contacts 215 should be providedin a non-conductive substrate that is disposed in the electricallyconductive plug body 210. The electrically conductive contacts arecoupled to conductive wires within the hybrid cable 232.

In some embodiments, the plug body 210 further includes a second arrayof electrically conductive contacts 219 on a second planar electricalcoupling surface 214. The second array of electrically conductivecontacts 219 may be electrically connected to the array of electricallyconductive contacts 215 to provide for palindromic connection with themated electro-optical receptacle, or it may provide an array ofelectrical contacts that are independent from the array of electricallyconductive contacts 215.

The illustrated electro-optical connector 200 further comprises anoptical coupling surface 211 that is transverse to the planar electricalcoupling surface 212. One or more optical windows 218 are provided atthe optical coupling surface 211. The optical windows 218 opticallyexpose a coupling surface of embedded GRIN lenses 222 that may beoptically coupled to lens features and active components of a matedelectro-optical receptacle.

Referring now to FIG. 11, a lens support member 217 may be provided inthe plug body 210. The lens support member 217 includes at least onelens bore 225 that maintains a GRIN lens 222 and at least one fiber bore220 that maintains an optical fiber. In the illustrated embodiment, thelens support member 217 includes two lens bores 225 and two fiber bores220 to secure two GRIN lenses 222 and two optical fibers 221. The lenssupport member 217 may also support the arrays of electricallyconductive contacts 215, 219. In some embodiments, the lens supportmember 217 is configured as a circuit board having the lens bore(s) 225and fiber bore(s) 220 disposed therein.

The optical fiber 221 is optically coupled the GRIN lens 222 (e.g., byuse of an index-matching adhesive). As described above, the surfaces ofthe GRIN lens 222 may be laser polished. The optical window 218 mayphysically expose the coupling surface of the GRIN lens 222, or anoptically transmissive material may be provided at the optical window218.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made without departing from thespirit or scope of the disclosure. Since modifications combinations,sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodimentsincorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur topersons skilled in the art, the disclosure should be construed toinclude everything within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An electro-optical plug comprising: a tipconnector; a ring connector; a sleeve connector, wherein the tipconnector, the ring connector, and the sleeve connector are electricallyconductive and are electrically isolated from one another; agradient-index lens co-axially disposed within at least the tipconnector, wherein the tip connector comprises a tip window thatoptically exposes a coupling surface of the gradient-index lens; and anoptical fiber co-axially disposed within at least the sleeve connector,wherein the optical fiber is optically coupled to the gradient-indexlens.
 2. The electro-optical plug of claim 1, wherein the tip window ofthe tip connector physically exposes the coupling surface of thegradient-index lens.
 3. The electro-optical plug of claim 1, wherein thecoupling surface of the gradient-index lens is laser polished.
 4. Theelectro-optical plug of claim 1, wherein: a support member is disposedwithin the sleeve connector, the ring connector, and the tip connector;and the optical fiber is disposed within the support member.
 5. Theelectro-optical plug of claim 1, wherein the tip connector comprises alens bore, and the gradient-index lens is disposed within the lens bore.6. The electro-optical plug of claim 1, wherein the electro-optical plugis configured as a 3.5 mm plug.
 7. An electro-optical connector systemcomprising: an electro-optical plug comprising: a tip connector; a ringconnector; a sleeve connector, wherein the tip connector, the ringconnector, and the sleeve connector are electrically conductive and areelectrically isolated from one another; a gradient-index lens co-axiallydisposed within at least the tip connector, wherein the tip connectorcomprises a tip window that optically exposes a coupling surface of thegradient-index lens; and an optical fiber co-axially disposed within atleast the sleeve connector, wherein the optical fiber is opticallycoupled to the gradient-index lens; and an electro-optical receptaclecomprising: a receptacle body comprising: an insertion end comprising anopening configured to receive the electro-optical plug; an opticalcoupling end opposite from the insertion end; a plug bore within thereceptacle body, the plug bore extending from the opening toward an endwall at the optical coupling end, the plug bore configured to accept theelectro-optical plug; and a lens feature at the end wall of the plugbore, wherein the coupling lens feature defines a debris-relief zone atthe end of the plug bore; and an active component assembly disposed atthe optical coupling end of the receptacle body, the active componentassembly comprising a substrate and at least one active componentcoupled to the substrate, wherein the at least one active component isoptically coupled to the lens feature of the electro-optical receptacle.8. The electro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein at least theoptical coupling end of the receptacle body is transmissive to opticalsignals propagating from the optical fiber and the at least one activecomponent.
 9. The electro-optical connector system of claim 8, whereinthe receptacle body is fabricated from ULTEM.
 10. The electro-opticalconnector system of claim 7, the at least one active component isconfigured as a transmitter and a receiver of optical signals tocommunicate over the optical fiber by wavelength-division multiplexing.11. The electro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein opticalsignals bi-directionally propagate over the optical fiber.
 12. Theelectro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein: the lens featurecomprises a mating surface that mates with the tip window of the tipconnector; the mating surface is offset from the end wall of the plugbore; and the lens feature comprises a convex lens surface that isopposite from the mating surface.
 13. The electro-optical connectorsystem of claim 7, wherein a rear portion of the optical coupling endcomprises a notch comprising a substrate mounting surface and an opticalcoupling surface that is recessed from the substrate mounting surface.14. The electro-optical connector system of claim 13, wherein: thesubstrate of the active component assembly is coupled to the substratemounting surface; and the lens feature comprises a convex lens surfaceat the optical coupling surface.
 15. The electro-optical connectorsystem of claim 7, wherein the active component assembly furthercomprises a flexible circuit electrically coupled to the substrate. 16.The electro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein the tip windowof the tip connector physically exposes the coupling surface of thegradient-index lens.
 17. The electro-optical connector system of claim7, wherein the coupling surface of the gradient-index lens is laserpolished.
 18. The electro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein:a support member is disposed within the sleeve connector, the ringconnector and the tip connector; and the optical fiber is disposedwithin the support member.
 19. The electro-optical connector system ofclaim 7, wherein the tip connector comprises a lens bore, and thegradient-index lens is disposed within the lens bore.
 20. Theelectro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein the electro-opticalplug is configured as a 3.5 mm plug.
 21. The electro-optical plug ofclaim 1, wherein: the optical fiber is disposed within a cable; and eachof the tip connector, the ring connector, and the sleeve connector iselectrically coupled to a conductive wire disposed within the cable. 22.The electro-optical connector system of claim 7, wherein: the opticalfiber is disposed within a cable; and each of the tip connector, thering connector, and the sleeve connector is electrically coupled to aconductive wire disposed within the cable.
 23. The electro-optical plugof claim 1, further comprising a first insulator and a second insulator,wherein: each of the first insulator and the second insulator comprisesa flange portion and a stem portion; the ring connector comprises a stemportion and a contact portion, the contact portion having a largerdiameter than the stem portion; the first insulator is positioned on thesupport member such that the stem portion of the first insulator isadjacent to the support member; the ring connector is positioned on thestem portion of the first insulator; the second insulator is positionedon the stem portion of the ring connector; the sleeve connector ispositioned on the stem portion of the second insulator; the tipconnector is positioned on an end of the support member; and the tipconnector, the first insulator, the ring connector, the secondinsulator, and the sleeve connector define an internal bore into whichthe support member is disposed.
 24. The electro-optical connector systemof claim 7, further comprising a first insulator and a second insulator,wherein: each of the first insulator and the second insulator comprisesa flange portion and a stem portion; the ring connector comprises a stemportion and a contact portion, the contact portion having a largerdiameter than the stem portion; the first insulator is positioned on thesupport member such that the stem portion of the first insulator isadjacent to the support member; the ring connector is positioned on thestem portion of the first insulator; the second insulator is positionedon the stem portion of the ring connector; the sleeve connector ispositioned on the stem portion of the second insulator; the tipconnector is positioned on an end of the support member; and the tipconnector, the first insulator, the ring connector, the secondinsulator, and the sleeve connector define an internal bore into whichthe support member is disposed.